F18 Worlds 2026 — Day One Standings and Notes
Alexandra
Race committee deployed three fleet races under a steadily strengthening onshore breeze, averaging 10–18 knots, with support and tracking craft staged from the western marina slip; after three races Brett Burvill & Max Puttman (racing an Edg/Nxt Gen sails setup) lead the scoreboard with two bullets and a second.
Day 1 results at a glance
The opening day produced clear pecking order movement. Burvill and Puttman combined boat speed and clean starts to dominate the leaderboard. Close behind, Argie Cruz Gonzalez Smith & Stephan Dekker in a Nacra Evo posted consistent finishes and currently hold second overall. Local contenders Gavin Colby & Kai Colman (also on a Nacra Evo) are third and remain in the title hunt. Another noteworthy pair, Homan & Bilston (on a Scorpion / 1D), recovered from a right-hand trap in race one to claim a 2 and a 1 in the following races, closing a productive day for the local A‑Cat helm.
Top standings (after 3 races)
| Rank | Crew | Boat / Rig | Race Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brett Burvill & Max Puttman | Edg / Nxt Gen sails | 1, 1, 2 |
| 2 | Argie Cruz Gonzalez Smith & Stephan Dekker | Nacra Evo | 3, 2, 2 |
| 3 | Gavin Colby & Kai Colman | Nacra Evo | 2, 4, 3 |
| 4 | Homan & Bilston | Scorpion / 1D | 8, 2, 1 |
Race conditions and course logistics
Wind built through the afternoon, pushing the final race into the upper end of the forecast. The committee used a windward–leeward configuration with short beats to encourage close, tactical sailing. Tracking boats and chase craft provided live GPS telemetry; race control used those feeds to verify mark roundings and to keep safety response times within standard limits.
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How conditions affected tactics
- 10–14 knots: early races favored clean upwind VMG and tight mark rounding.
- 15–18 knots: second half of the day rewarded crews with aggressive foiling angles and faster reach sail trim.
- Right-hand shift in race 1: several teams that committed to the left side were penalized by a windline that developed to the right, exemplified by Homan & Bilston’s initial setback.
Equipment, crew and performance notes
Equipment selection made a noticeable difference. The leading pair’s combination of lightweight hull tuning and Nxt Gen sail profiles provided extra acceleration out of the mark. Crews that balanced foil rake with centerboard trim capitalized on gusts to sustain foiling angles while maintaining pointing ability. Boat handling under pressure—mark roundings, gybe discipline and foiling transitions—decided several positions within each race.
Sail and hull implications for charter fleets
For charter operators and rental marinas, the Day 1 outcomes underline two practical points: the importance of rig tuning and the need for maintenance cycles that preserve foil and hull symmetry. A similar focus on setup benefits recreational sailors renting high-performance boats, where a well-prepared vessel translates directly into safer, faster, and more enjoyable sailing for guests.
Media, tracking and spectator access
Live streaming and GPS replays were available throughout the day, with James Henry providing continuous video coverage. These digital feeds not only keep fans engaged but also support race analytics and post-race debriefs, which teams use to refine strategy. For charter companies and yacht operators, such open-access telemetry is becoming a valuable tool to demonstrate conditions and craft capabilities to prospective renters.
Practical takeaways for sailors and renters
- Check daily wind windows when planning charters; a 10–18 knot forecast demands different gear and experience than lighter winds.
- Book vessels that match your crew’s skill: foiling cats require practiced handedness and confident transitions.
- Inspect sail condition and foil integrity before departure; small imbalances are amplified at higher speeds.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The GetBoat service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course; it places no limits on a good life, allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste. For skippers and holidaymakers, visibility into equipment and ratings—make, model, and crew reviews—helps match expectations with reality before stepping aboard.
The first-day leaderboard at F18 Worlds demonstrates how small tactical gains and reliable equipment produce large scoring advantages. While the event is focused on high-performance multihulls, organizers and charter operators alike can apply the same logistical discipline—rig checks, tracking support, and shore-side staging—to improve safety and guest satisfaction in recreational boating.
The day’s highlights include the dominant starts and clean mark work by Burvill & Puttman, the steady podium performance from Cruz Gonzalez Smith & Dekker, and the recovery of Homan & Bilston after a tactical misread. Experiencing a new sailing destination is always a multifaceted process where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Forecast: this day’s results are important within the F18 fleet and matter to teams and manufacturers, but they are unlikely to shift the global tourism map on their own. Still, this kind of high-profile racing draws attention to venues and local marinas, which can feed into seasonal charter demand. However insignificant this may be at a macro level, it remains relevant to customers and operators. GetBoat aims to stay abreast of such developments and keep pace with the changing world. If you are planning your next trip to the seaside, consider the convenience and reliability of GetBoat.
Summary: Day 1 of F18 Worlds combined tactical sailing, evolving 10–18 knot winds, and clear equipment advantages—Burvill & Puttman lead after three races, with Cruz Gonzalez Smith & Dekker and Colby & Colman close behind. The regatta highlights the interplay between crew skill, rig tuning and shore-side logistics—factors that also affect charter operations and rental experiences. Whether you seek a yacht charter, a day sail on a boat, or a longer sailing holiday, platforms like GetBoat.com offer transparent listings, detailed specs, and user ratings to help you find the right vessel for your next beach, lake or ocean adventure. Chart your course.
